LOOKING IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES -- KEEP READING, I FOUND IT!

 Many times throughout my life, I have experienced events, that I will mention here.

Just a few days ago, I had an important meeting to attend, at the VA Hospital. Anxiously, I tossed the needed articles into my truck and began to arrange the topics of discussion into an organized outline for delivery. The clock ticked away, allowing me some moments to

rest and relax.  Sitting in my truck I noticed that the minutes passed, more rapidly than I desired. Time to start the engine and depart to my destination had arrived.

    The only event that occurred next was the disappearance of my keys. I went back into the house,

entered the den, looked on top of the desk, and found no keys. 

I went to the kitchen gazed at the

countertop, no keys.  Ok !! Where are my keys ?  I noticed that the time had moved forward, giving me less time to frantically rummage through the rooms, looking for my keys.

Anxiety and angry about the circumstance I was in, I began to perspire and mumble words,

I used while on board ship. “My keys !!!  Where are my keys ??” I loudly cried (screamed?).

The Municipal Garbage trucks were on the other block, the sound of the lifts getting louder.

I ran out to the curb and like a frightened field rat, I burrowed into the week's debris.   Nothing !!

No Keys !!!  Defeated !!  I Surrendered !!   A memory of my Granma flashed into my mind.

Granma told us many times about how she would request the aid of a Saint, named Anthony.

Saint Anthony of Padua !!  Breathing slowly, I made the Sign of the Cross and quietly said

a short prayer of petition.  Time seemed to slow down almost to give me a reprieve. “Ok !!

St. Anthony, Do your thing !!”  Being still a bit agitated I went and sat down, half trusting

that any results would happen because of my prayer.

I will exalt my God and my King.  I will bless your name, always and forever.
Thanks for my keys, dear Lord

I than felt a pinch, a bite, a gouge, on my right buttock. Thinking that I had possibly sat on a

spider or that a wasp had just been interrupted I jumped up. I grabbed the point of pain

and with an embarrassed jolt, I realized that the pain was caused by the missing set of

keys.  I was happy that I found these in my pocket, and that no one else was near to see

the many fluorescent shades of red emanating from my face.

  I gathered composure, started the truck, and drove to the meeting.While thinking of what to

say to the others about my tardiness, I said a prayer of Thanksgiving to St. Anthony of Padua.

I know that without his aid the event would have been different.

  I learned a lesson that day about the practice of prayer....!!  Instead of exhaustingly running

around attempting to solve life`s quagmires with my own limited ability. Praying sincerely

requesting the aid of Heaven's many Citizens, the Saints, ought to be a primary tool in

achieving the desired goal.

 

Ps: The meeting that I was to attend.....Well !!  It was scheduled for the next month !!! !!!

 

                                                                                                Br.Phil. B.  6-11-15

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

Prayer Changes Things

    As one drives through the many towns of the United States,.  one becomes aware of the emptiness of some of the towns. Many at one time were filled with ambitious people. Consider a small town located within the `Crow Reservation`. This town at one time boasted about its three grocery markets, four restaurants with cantinas, and a large lumber industry, which employed many of the citizens.

  Today all that remains there is a grocery store and a tavern, both of them supported by a United States Aid Program. Lining the trash littered streets are boarded and burnt buildings that urban blight has caused.

 Crimes of all type seem to be the only activities progressing and employing those who are desperate to find what needs to be done to live.  The elderly and the youngest children huddle together asking themselves ; “ How much more can we endure ?”

Children are being born, at a rate of almost one a week. These newborns are tossed to the compassionate grandmas, to be cared for  as best as possible. These children will grow up surrounded by a negative environment, depriving them of opportunities for healthy living.

Lets consider `Lil` Stephanie, a young girl who ought to be attending school.  She roams the streets selling acorns, aluminum cans, and begging for change.  Unfortunately  for children like Lil` Steph. the future may be one of misery for many of these energetic children, because they do not have the opportunities to learn colors,

numbers, letters, or even to how write their names.

These innocent lives are trapped by the heavy chains of poverty, disease, drug infestation and despair. Their `Dreams` about the future are filled with darkness, hopelessness, and decay. There is a solution that many can take part in daily to change this sadness.

   

You and I (we) can change the miasma that envelopes these towns. WE have been given the blessed privilege to pray. We have been given the ability to mention these towns and people to a Compassionate Father God who cares for them.

The power of prayer and intercession on their behalf can remove the mountains, and break the strongholds of despair, darkness, and death, keeping these towns captive.  Our prayers can open spiritual doors so that avenues of deliverance become available.  Eucharistic Liturgies, Novenas, Rosaries, and Faith filled Prayers in

the Name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, will cause Resurrection Life to flow from Heaven. Blessings will arrive, these towns will be changed !! 

                                                                                       Bro. Phil. B.

FIG TREES AND THE LESSONS THEY BEAR, EVEN WHILE BARREN

“There once was a person who had a fig tree in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”

This is really good to remember when I go through the issues and challenges of the minutes, hours, days, and even months, of growing.  Many times I have gazed at myself and said “What`s the use ? Why keep on being diligent, disciplined, and devoted?”

During those moments I hear a still small voice gently saying “Give yourself more time, Allow yourself the needed regimen to continue growing.”

Shortly after this moment I find that the experienced challenge was a period of growth. 

I, many times afterwards, have received Blessings, that I desired.

Reflecting upon this I have realized that if I would have quit, the Blessings may have not arrived.

                                                                                                 Br. Phil. 10-25-14

CREATOR GOD, FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT

YES, CREATED AND FONDLED, TOO

  **Someone must be Eternal**   ( A.M.D.G.)

  Thirty years ago a documentary aired on National T.V.  The series viewed for a week, and includedwell prepared scientific material researched by Carl Sagan. The title of this documentary is `Cosmos`.

An amazing statement was proclaimed by Dr. Sagan; “The Cosmos is all there is, all there ever was, and all that there ever will be.”  Dr. Sagan`s pronouncement was presented after his many hours of scientific research, defining and verifying the evidence, before he made his statement.

Science, mankind`s applied knowledge for the reasons for life, suggests that every effect, or event, must have a cause. The *Big Bang* theory is the reason the Universe exists.  This could be the possible reason, but there had to be a cause for this event to occur.  I believe this event occurred because of a Person, known as God, who spoke *The Word*.  Science has denied the evidence of this, many times.

Many years ago, at San Francisco State University. There was a Biology educator, Dean Kenyon, he co-authored a book : *Biochemical Predestination*.  The scientific presentation underlining this work was to state a hypothesis that “all living organism evolved from non-living materials, chemical

processes found in nature.”   I find this rather absurd due to the fact that the chemicals, the materials, had to have an origin. How and where did the this originate ?

There must be a Creator who spoke and is orchestrating this marvel that is the Cosmos.   Dr. Kenyon arrived at this

conclusion, yet he was silenced by the Science Dept. and denied the liberty to present his conclusions.

“The Theory of Evolution must not be contested.” was the University's final statement.

  In 1925, the A.C.L.U. argued that school systems must offer a variety of theories concerning how the Universe began. For a period of time, classes offered many different theories and

viewpoints about the Cause of the Universe. The origins of Life offered covered even the many Native and Asiatic legends. The arguments began and a solution was brought forth. The teaching

of Evolution would be the only rational explanation given.  Creationism was labeled as part of Religion, therefore not taught at any state operated school.  Therefore the students of today

are manipulated into accepting a `one way` closed minded, set of probabilities presented to them by atheistic and agnostic educators.

  Mankind builds systems of technology, makes advancements in Science.  With these in mind, what happens when the Earth, the Weather, and other Natural forces disrupt the plans

laid out ... ?  Disharmony, Disaster, and Chaos, occur. 

(9 +/- 10 x`s)

With the Creator and Creationism in mind, we observe ... Harmony, Restoration, and Order.

(Yes !! we can use the same equation !! 9 out of 10 events)

Realistically and with some `Common Sense` !!   Lets consider Creationism and the Creator idea.  

Nature and the Universe surrounding us, points and proves that there must be a Creator, an Orchestrator, known as God, who spoke at the Beginning and upholds Order, even Now !!

Romans 1:19-20,   
What can be known about God is plain to perceive. 
God has revealed Himself since the Beginning. 
The Universe and all that is contained was created 
by the Word spoken by God. His Qualities, Eternal Power, 
and Love, are clearly made known to Mankind, by 
Nature's Magnificent Reflections !!!

                                                                  Br. Phil. B.   10 /16 /14

BOOKS, SCHOLARS, QUESTIONS AND FINALLY, THE ANSWER

(Editor's note:
I did not put this graphic here to plug the book but to prepare the reader for what follows.)

   The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) predicted Jesus Christ. Throughout the many books of Judaism there are prophecies. These prophecies point forward to the birth, death, and resurrection, of the One named Jesus of Nazareth.

   Found in the reading of the handwritten documents and letters of the followers of Jesus Christ, known as the New Testament, are the fulfilling events of the prophecies.  Throughout the ages there have been skeptics, who have always questioned and attempted to contradict the eyewitness accounts of these writings.

    Presently though, during these more educated times, there have been intellectual individuals, scholars, doctors, and many adepts of scientific thought, who were at one time skeptics, but now have changed their beliefs about Jesus the Christ.

Here are a few along with the conclusions to which they came based on their investigation :

      (1)    John Singleton, 19th century lawyer, England:  

“I know quite well what evidence is!  I can truthfully state that the evidential proof concerning the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, has not been disproven.”

      (2)    Simon Greenleaf, Harvard University –legal author: 

“It is impossible that the writers of the Sacred Scriptures and Letters could have persisted in affirming the realities narrated, had the reality of Jesus` Resurrection not occurred.”

      (3)    Smithsonian Institute `Archeology / Museum:     

“...of all the literature, historical documents, manuscripts, of ancient eras, the Scriptures are the most accurate, greater in content than the writings of Egypt, Macedonia, and Greece. Archeology has proven the contents.”

      (4)    George Bancroft, U.S. Navy, Annapolis Naval Academy:

“The name Jesus Christ, is found written upon almost all the pages of U.S. Historical and Military Journals.”

      (5)    William Albright, with N. Glouck,  Orthodox Archeologists:

“ Categorically no archeological discoveries have ever controverted Biblical reference. All findings, to date, have confirmed with clarity and detail, the events of Scripture.”

( 6 ) P.Laibe, Chasidic Orthodox, Judaic Scholar:

“I accept as proof, the Resurrection, of Yeshua ben David. This being not an invention of the community of archaic disciples, but a true reality of `Hashem intervention in the history of mankind.”

                    Proceeding into the month of September, we become aware of the daylight hours diminishing. Lets take a few moments of time, during the evening, to contemplate on the Light that eternally shines. Reflecting upon the quotes of the scholars, let’s remember the awareness of His Presence. The Presence of Jesus Christ perceived and felt many times during our communal gatherings, prayer meetings, and Eucharistic devotions. The Light that shines with, in, and through

us, unlike the daylight that seems to lessen, as time moves on, the Light, we have shines Bright Eternally.

                                                                                                                                      

**Jesus Christ, The Light Everlasting**

        Timothy  3:16...***  God was manifested in the flesh, justifies in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among Gentiles, believed in the world, received up into Glory.

****We trust not the words of dead leaders. We trust the Words of the Living, Alive, Resurrected, King of kings, Jesus Christ. ****

                                                                                    Br. Phil.  9-2014

(1) London Law Journal, 1874, Creation Life pbls.    

(2) *Testimony of Evangelist* 1853, U.M.K.C.-School of Law, Smithsonian Institute,

(3) *Greatest Thoughts about ...* N.Y. 1930,  (5)Archeology & Religion, John Hopkins University, 1965, 1959,

( 6 ) *Chasidic Thesis about Judaic Monotheism / Christian Trinitarians*, University of Philadelphia, Rabbinical-1981

TRUST IN OUR LORD, OUR GOD, OUR ROCK

Trust in our Lord God, our confidence is because of Him.

The Lord God, our Father, is our Rock, a Solid Foundation of Defense.

During our times of trial and exasperation, Our Lord God gives us Strength.

Our Protection is found by Trusting in our Refuge, our Lord God.

Trust in our Lord God, We will never be `let down` or ashamed.

The Mercy of our God, is New Every Morning !!

                                                                   Br. Phil. B.   8-5-14

Psalm 62:

2 My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation.

3 God alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress; 

           I shall never fall.

...

5 My soul, waits silently for God alone,

For my expectation is from Him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my defense;

I shall not be moved.

7In God is my salvation and my glory;

The rock of my strength,

And my refuge, is in God.

8Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.

...

11God has spoken once,

Twice I have heard this:

That power belongs to God.

12Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;

For You render to each one according to his work.

I AM THE WAY, THE LIGHT AND THE LIFE. HE WHO COMES AFTER ME IN SEARCH OF ME WILL HAVE LIFE EVERASTING

Lets speak to one another with Psalms, Hymns, and Songs of the Spirit.

Lets begin to build each other up, in our Faith. Within our Hearts are found songs of Thanksgiving to God, our Father, and to Jesus Christ, our Lord .

 Let’s begin to proclaim Jesus Christ, as Lord, and receive Him into our lives. We become rooted and firm, strengthened in our Trust.

Let’s continue to renew ourselves in the Faith, and become very Thankful, for all that Jesus Christ, has brought us through.

Let’s continue simply remembering the many small and large victories that we have Brought home as a sure sign of our Foundation in Christ.

Let’s continue reminding ourselves that every time we gather and partake of the Most Holy Eucharist, we are ingesting the Body and Blood of the King of kings, and Lord of lords !! 

Let’s resolve that at the next reception of this Sacrament, to meditate and perceive that we are members of the Body of Jesus Christ, united with each other as “God Bearers” and “Arks of the New Covenant !!”

Let’s resolve to meditate and reflect on this prophetic promise:  “If my people are converted, Rock and Stones will be turned into heaps of Wheat.”                    Mary, Our Lady of LaSalette, Sept. 19, 1846.

Bro. Phil Bara - 6-24-2014